阿比盖尔·史密斯

“One of the big reasons I chose Carthage was that it’s close to home. I’m super family-oriented, and taking care of my family is a top priority. So, being able to stay close to them while studying was a big deal for me. Being a commuter has worked out great because I get the best of both worlds — quality education and being there for my family when they need me. 这是一个双赢的局面! Carthage fosters a strong sense of community among its students, faculty, and staff.”

“The Carthage faculty have played a profound role in shaping my college experience and charting my academic journey. The remarkable faculty members guided me towards my true passions and helped me find my authentic path.

“通过她的丙烯绘画课程， Diane Levesque教授 became a catalyst for my transition into the world of arts. She nurtured my creativity and encouraged me to explore my inner passions. Her guidance led me to the realization that I had always yearned to pursue the arts.

“同样的, 乔金·凡·温克尔教授 played a significant role in my evolution as an artist. Her mentorship helped me break out of my shell and broaden my artistic horizons. Her kindness and support were particularly crucial during challenging times with my family’s health. Jojin教授和 Ryan P教授. 米勒 were instrumental in my involvement with the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE). 与教授紧密合作. 米勒 was a privilege, and his understanding and positivity left an indelible mark on my life. 我们的关系超越了学术范畴, allowing us to engage in conversations about diverse topics, fostering a comfortable and supportive environment.

“Jose Avalos教授 也起到了关键作用. His guidance nudged me towards mixed media and encouraged me to think outside the box. His kindness and our engaging conversations were always a highlight. His genuine care for his students’ success is truly inspiring. I’m incredibly grateful for his impact on my journey as a student and artist.

”此外, 金伯利·格林教授的 influence in my life has been transformative. 作为她陶瓷工作室的助手之一, I gained practical skills and formed a deep connection with her. This connection enabled me to interact with other faculty members and students, creating a network that enriched my college experience. 感谢教授. 格林, I had the incredible opportunity to connect with folks in the art world and donors during the Russian Soviet Art Exhibition.”

“毫无疑问, my favorite class at Carthage has been Oil Painting, and it’s all thanks to the fantastic experience with 教授. 米勒. The atmosphere in his classes was incredibly laid-back, which made it a joy to attend. 教授. 米勒 consistently encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, making the class truly special and led to significant artistic growth. Exploring the world of oil paint and its mediums under his guidance was a fun journey of 发现. Equally contributing to the enjoyment were my classmates, who were easy to connect with and formed a supportive community. We shared a close bond extending beyond the studio, cheering each other on and creating a fun and collaborative environment that enhanced the learning experience. 整体, this course stood out as a blend of skill-building, 艺术探索, and a sense of togetherness that made every session memorable.”

“For me, the toughest class at Carthage was definitely 化学. I was juggling several courses simultaneously, which made it a real challenge to keep up. 平衡所有这些需求可不是开玩笑的. 然而，我很幸运地拥有 萨拉·斯诺教授 作为我的导师. 她是一个真正的支持系统. She made the effort to guide me through the parts I found confusing, and that support meant a lot. 化学 might have been a struggle, but having 教授. Snow’s assistance made the journey a bit less daunting.”

“My involvement in various clubs and organizations has enriched my time at Carthage. 我是一个骄傲的成员 艺术俱乐部 and Best Buddies, but my primary focus and activity have been within the 艺术俱乐部. Being a part of the 艺术俱乐部 has allowed me to connect with students who share the same passion for creativity and self-expression. 通过俱乐部的活动, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate and learn alongside talented peers. These experiences have not only fostered my growth as an artist but have also provided a platform to engage with the broader artistic community on campus.”

“I’ve been fortunate to embrace several other opportunities at Carthage. One exciting venture is my upcoming role as a 画廊 assistant, collaborating closely with 教授. 米勒. This new avenue promises to deepen my understanding of the art world and offer fresh perspectives on curating and managing exhibitions. 此外, I’ve had the privilege of being selected to participate in the Annual Juried Art Show since my freshman year. 这个一年一度的活动, 每年春天举行, not only showcases my work but also connects me with fellow artists and allows me to contribute to the vibrant artistic community at Carthage. These opportunities have enriched my college experience, offering me diverse platforms to engage with art, 拓宽我的技能, and establish meaningful connections with professors and peers alike.”

“I’ve had the privilege of being a ceramics studio assistant since my sophomore year. I’ve also had the exciting opportunity to participate in SURE 2023, representing the art discipline. 作为教授的助理. 格林, I’ve taken on a range of crucial responsibilities, 包括混合粘土, 开发釉料和滑片, 整理工作室用品, 库存管理, ensuring the smooth operation of the kiln room, 补充材料. It’s been a hands-on experience that has given me a deeper understanding of the practical aspects of ceramics and studio management.

”此外, SURE at Carthage has been a significant part of my journey. This program invites students from all majors to engage in intensive full-time research alongside professors. In my case, being focused on the arts, I’ve been collaborating closely with 教授. 米勒在夏天. My project has involved creating four impactful paintings centered around the theme of gun violence in schools. My aim is to not only raise awareness about this critical issue but also to educate others about the preventable crisis plaguing children and young adults in the United States.

“Both my role as an assistant and my involvement in SURE 2023 have allowed me to delve deeper into my major and gain practical experience that complements my academic studies. These opportunities have expanded my horizons and provided me with invaluable insights into the world of art and research.”

“我毕业后, I have ambitious plans to venture into the world of muralism and take my artistic pursuits to a grand scale. I aim to continue working on larger projects that allow me to make a significant visual impact and create art that resonates with people on a deeper level. 通过我的壁画作品, I aim to inspire others to use their artistic voice to bring attention to important topics and issues they are passionate about.

“I plan to further my education and pursue a Master of Fine 艺术 in Studio Art and 艺术历史 and a Doctorate in 艺术历史! This advanced degree will deepen my understanding of art theory and history and enrich my artistic practice.

“Ultimately, my long-term aspiration is to become an art curator or an art professor. 作为策展人, I plan to curate exhibitions that showcase diverse perspectives and contemporary issues, creating spaces that challenge and inspire viewers. 另外, 作为一名艺术教授, I aim to share my passion for art with others and foster a new generation of artists who can use their creativity to influence positive change in society.”

“Carthage has been a hub of unforgettable moments and cherished memories. One standout memory is the time I had the incredible opportunity to explore Art EXPO 2023 at Navy Pier in Chicago. 这次活动绝对是一个亮点, providing me with a fascinating glimpse into the art world on a grand scale. Walking through Art EXPO 2023 was an awe-inspiring experience. The chance to witness some of the world’s biggest galleries and immerse myself in an array of artistic expressions was truly captivating. The event allowed me to deepen my understanding of the diverse and dynamic art landscape, and it left an indelible mark on my artistic journey. This moment not only expanded my horizons but also fueled my passion for art. It was a reminder of the endless possibilities and opportunities that await in the creative realm. This memory encapsulates the essence of my Carthage experience — a blend of exploration, 发现, and a celebration of art’s transformative power.”

“My 8-year-old self would be bursting with excitement and joy to see that I’m genuinely following my heart and flourishing as an art student. The realization that I’ve embraced my passion and transformed it into my studies and career path would undoubtedly fill my younger self with immense pride and anticipation for the creative journey ahead.”